In Focus: West Ham will decide Bilic’s future this summer; poor results could cost him

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic won’t be offered a new deal until the summer, despite talk that the Croatian was close to extending his contract.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Sky Sports said earlier this month that a new deal was close for the Irons boss – who is a popular figure among the majority of the club’s supporters – but the Daily Mirror believe that his future will be decided at the end of the season in an annual review.

Is he likely to get a new contract?

If the rumours suggest he will, then he should.

But part of the annual review is sure to highlight a number of poor performances from the club throughout the season – including that double header against Manchester City at the London Stadium – as well as the poor start they made at their new home.

After a good mid-season run of form the Irons are currently in 11th position, but have also won just one of their last six Premier League matches.

Last weekend they suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth – who also missed two penalties – which was the Cherries’ first win in 2017.

Didn’t John Sullivan speak out about that result?

Yes, he did.

The joint-chairman said: “’I was very disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our defeat.

“We went down there determined to bounce back from the Chelsea game, but we didn’t play as well as we know we can.

“Slaven, the players and the staff all know we have to do better.”

What’s the verdict, then?

It really could depend on the Hammers’ finish to the season.

If they go on a positive run until the end of the campaign and secure a top-half finish, there will be a good feeling around the club again and the fans will want Bilic to stay.

However if it goes the opposite way and the fans starting getting on his and the team’s back, he could well be in trouble.